The AMC Theaters have made some changes to the AMC MovieWatcher Club,you will have to decide if their new loyalty program AMC Stubs is worth $12 a year ($6 dollars is the one time incentive for Movie Watcher card holders). Rewards will now be decided on purchase price and equal $10 for every $100 you spend on tickets and concessions.  The other changes include upgraded popcorn and fountain drinks for free every time you come in and no online ticketing fees on movietickets.com and fandango.com. The $10 rewards are redeemable for anything you like including gift cards.

As many of you have realized, going to the movies is an expensive propostion. The break at AMC is that tickets before noon on the weekends are around $6 or $7 so if you are taking the kids for a treat get them up early. It will save you $2 to $2.50 per head, and for adults the savings are almost $5 per ticket. The senior discount for the after matinee hours is $1. Really is that what someone gets for living to sixty plus years.  They give seniors a bigger break on Tuesdays when their tickets are $6 or $7 all day.  Students get a discounted day on Thursdays (prices vary around $8.50 and $9.50). 

If you are still going out to the movies and getting tickets online, the $100 will add up quickly. However with the annual fee, you have to wait until the $200 mark before you get a real reward.

Use them or lose money, there is no way around the loyalty program concept.   What really matters is maximizing the benefits. Two ways to enhance your savings – when ever possible stick with one program for every category type i.e. food, office supplies, hotels, air travel and give them your email address (set up a seperate account for deals if necessary) so you receive up to the minute offers. 

Here are the no fee programs the Frugal Diva likes best and why.

Staples – They give you $2 for every used printer cartridges and a percentage of purchases in a rebate check.  Watch for emails with weekly savings and coupons. Back to school is an excellent time to stock on supplies for the office.

Ralphs – Their points system allows you to get back a small rebate every three months along with coupons for products. They will email you items that garner bonus points and just by clicking you can make your way to savings. The coupons are loaded into your loyalty card and automatically deducted at checkout. No cutting and no forgetting.

Borders - You get emailed discount coupons ranging from 25% to 40% off, special bonus savings, and a rebate with purchases.

AMC Moviewatcher Club – Two points for every movie ticket purchased whether it’s a discount matinee or full fare in the evening. They add up quickly to get free drinks, popcorn, and tickets.

Chicos – After an initial purchase amount, members receive an automatic 5% off and a coupon every month plus a birthday bonus, invitations to private sales, and special discounts.

Let me know what you think are great programs and I will add them to the post.